UC Santa Barbara and Oxnard College are teaming up for STEM EXPO 2011, a daylong event that will bring middle and high school students from the Oxnard and Santa Paula area together with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) professionals,…
Capps celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
WASHINGTON — Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) issued the following statement in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15 every year. “This week we begin celebrating Hispanic Heritage month and will pay tribute to…
Commentary: Digging deep
By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor I have been married and divorced three times. A few years after my last divorce I wrote a memoir about my journey to understand my role in the destruction of those three marriages, “Digging…
Announcement: Author presentation this weekend
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor This weekend we have an interactive and fun author presentation for children within Ventura County. At the Ventura Bank of Books, we have “My Handy Writing Book: A New, Fun and Easy Way to Write…
Commentary: A Mexican cousin’s view of the U.S.
By David Magallanes /Guest contributor It was their 8/25. It doesn’t resonate with us as well as “9/11” does and always will. The events of August 25, 2011, weren’t of the gasping magnitude of 9/11, but it shook Mexican society…
Mexican Consulate posts Fiestas Patrias event calendar
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard has posted the Fiestas Patrias event calendar for the 805 region. Click on image above to see the full calendar.
Son Jarocho workshop set for Sept. 14 in Oxnard
Visiting artist Andres Flores will provide a special Son Jarocho Workshop from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14 at Arts for Action, 535 So. C St., Oxnard. There is a $5 requested donation. Flores is from Coatzalcoalcos Veracruz and…
Bilingual report: Nominations open for 2012 El Concilio Latino Leadership Awards
Nominations are open for the 2012 El Concilio Family Services annual Latino Leadership Awards, to be presented Saturday, March 24, 2012 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. The awards were established in 1990 in order to recognize individuals that have…
Thibeault to talk at Stress, Health and Longevity Class on Sept. 14
Donald Thibeault will be the guest speaker at the Stress, Health and Longevity Class meeting from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14 at 702 County Square Drive, Ventura. He will talk about ”Mental Gymnastics and Aging Gracefully.” Call 805.652.2828 for…
FOOD Share to hold Fruit Share program on Sept. 24
(VENTURA COUNTY) – When Bonnie Weigel, FOOD Share CEO, visits Ventura County neighborhoods and sees ripe lemons, avocados or peaches that have fallen to the ground and are rotting, she cringes. Weigel knows that rather than go to waste, each piece of fruit…
Das Williams: Legislation secures federal funding for energy efficiency retrofits to state buildings
SACRAMENTO — A bill that Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) has authored jointly with the chairman of the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce to authorize the transfer of additional money to help finance energy efficiency retrofits in state buildings…
Actividades de la Ventanilla de Salud en Septiembre
Actividades de la Ventanilla de Salud en Septiembre.
CSU’s ‘Channel Magazine’ features Lacayo Institute
The Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies (HLI) has been featured in a new article by Lori Putnam at CSU Channel Islands “Channel Magazine.” Launched last November, the non-profit and non-partisan Institute is named for Hank Lacayo,…
Das Williams: Assembly passes tax relief for middle class families
Plan also Closes Tax Loophole and Helps Small Businesses SACRAMENTO — Assembly Democrats and two Republican’s approved a plan on Sept 8 that includes an income tax break for working families and provides an incentive for job creation here in…
Capps applauds outline of American Jobs Act, urges House leadership to bring bill to the floor
WASHINGTON – Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) released the following statement in response to President Obama’s address to Congress and outline of the American Jobs Act. “Tonight, President Obama laid out several straightforward, bipartisan proposals to create jobs and…
Commentary: Baseball, horse races and trains
Editor’s note: Boyd Lemon reported this week that his book “Digging Deep: A Writer Uncovers His Marriages,” was the 65th best selling book in its genre on Kindle. This week the ebook version is on sale for 99 cents on http://www.Amazon.com, http://www.BarnsandNoble.com and http://www.Smashwords.com By…
Commentary: Dieting…Or A Way of Life?
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Sometimes I wonder if at my age and considering my gender, I’m a candidate for anorexia. Especially when I get dressed for the day, look at my profile around the waist area in the…
Registration open for Binational Health Week conference
The Binational Health Week 2011 11th annual Health Conference, “Celebrating Healthy Families,” will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 at Veteran’s Memorial Community Center, 313 W. Tunnell St., Santa Maria. The deadline for organizations to…
Oxnard Art Beat set for Sept. 10
The Downtown Oxnard Art Beat will close out the summer by featuring a variety of art, music, dancing and dining opportunities from 5 p.m. to closing time on Saturday, Sept. 10 at various venues in downtown Oxnard, organizers reported in…
LULAC’s first fall meeting set for Sept. 10 in Ventura
The League of United Latin American Citizens will hold its first fall meeting of LULAC District 17 from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 at Clinicas del Camino Real, 200 So. Wells Road, No. 200, Ventura. Contact Jorge Napoles,…
Mexican Consulate releases calendar of events for September
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard on Wednesday released its schedule of events for September. Click here or on the image to view a pdf of the schedule.
Oxnard College announces schedule for OC Literature, Arts & Lecture Series
Oxnard College has announced the schedule for its Literature, Arts & Lecture Series beginning Sept. 28. Sponsored by Oxnard College, all events are held on Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. in the new Oxnard College Performing Arts Building (OCPA),…
Capps, others introduce legislation to ensure jobs are a priority
Rep. Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara, joined Rep. John Larson and 57 of her colleagues in introducing legislation on Sept. 6 to ensure that job creation and economic growth are given the same focus and priority in Congress as reducing the…
Das Williams bill to increase public safety clears senate floor
A bill authored by Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) that provides policy guidelines regarding background screening requirements for Emergency Medical Responders, passed the Senate floor on Sept. 6, according to a media release. Assembly Bill 1245 simply states that if…
Republic Services helping FOOD Share collect donations
Republic Services Inc., a provider of solid waste collection, transfer and disposal services, recently launched a “Food and Funds Drive” in support of FOOD Share, Ventura County’s regional food bank, the organization reported this week in a media release. Throughout…
Applications available for Rebozo Festival award
Organization/institutions are encouraged to participate in the “Nomination for Appropriations” 2012 Rebozo Festival Awards, festival organizers reported this week in a media release. The awards are presented annually by Las Madrinas of Ventura County. The next event will be held…
Commentary: Recovering from divorce
By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor Since one in two marriages in the United States ends in divorce, it is a subject many of us think about, but, except for celebrity divorces, not much is written or publically said about…
Latino Health Awareness Month calendar released
In honor of Latino Health Awareness Month, the Ventura County Public Health-Chronic Disease Prevention Program, Oxnard Police Department and The Network for a Healthy California — Gold Coast Region Latino Campaign, have teamed up to promote a number of events in September, including…
Commentary: My Daily Fix
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor It’s something I have to have. I buy it and have it delivered to my house every day. I can’t imagine not having it, and if I’m out traveling and can’t get it, I…
FOOD Share challenges community to participate in 30 ways in 30 days during Hunger Action Month
Online calendar provides 30 days of simple suggestions in September to help feed the hungry The concept is simple but the potential pay-off is huge. If every single individual, family and business makes the personal commitment to take action to…
Commentary: Complications of diabetes in the United States
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier/ Guest contributor Last week’s article discussed the ‘Diabetes Epidemic’ in the Latino community. I hope you remembered the challenge: eat more green vegetables and begin to exercise fifteen to thirty minutes a day. The other day I mentioned…
Latino links: Educational trends
The number of 18- to 24-year-olds attending college hit an all-time high of 12.2 million in October 2010. A good part of that grow was attributed to a 24 percent jump in Hispanic enrollement, according to a report by the…
El Concilio urges ‘Get together. Give together’
As we enjoy the last days of summer in Ventura County, it is a time to appreciate all that we have — sunshine, beach time with friends, summer vacations, Yvonne Gutierrez of El Concilio Family Services reported this week in…
Local ballet company’s dance program proves therapeutic for foster children
Imagine being removed from your home and the care of your family only to leave behind everything you have ever known. For no fault of their own, thousands of children are removed from their homes and placed into foster…
Bilingual report: Three bills awaiting governor’s signature
Three pieces of legislation being carried by first-term State Assemblymember Das Williams (D- Santa Barbara) are currently awaiting Gov. Jerry Brown’s signature after successfully navigating the legislative process in both the Assembly and Senate. the office of Assemblymember Das Williams…
Bilingual report: Teatro de las America’s presenting ‘Karaoke Night’ on Aug. 31
Teatro de las Américas and Genmai Sushi will present “Karaoke Night,” with dinner at 7 p.m. and karaoke from 8 p.m. until closing on Wednesday, Aug. 31 at 3623 W. Fifth St., Oxnard. A percentage of the dinner/drink tab will…
Bilingual report: Local officials rally to support effort to save McGrath State Beach
Leaders urge families to help prevent closure of McGrath State Park by Voting online for a chance to win $100,000 in National America is Your Park contest Assemblymember Das Williams (D- Santa Barbara) was joined by Senator Fran Pavley (D- Santa…
Commentary: Forgiving
By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor Half of the time my father worked nights, so he had more leisure time during the day than most fathers. He spent much of that time with me. We went to baseball games and…
MICOP seeking volunteers on Aug. 26, 27
The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) is seeking volunteers to fill 500 backpacks with school supplies starting at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26 at Harrington Elementary School, 2501 So. Gisler St., Oxnard. MICOP is also seeking volunteers from 4 to…
Commentary: Remodeling…What have I done?
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor I look around my home now and see devastation. But this is good. It means my remodel project has finally begun. But as I look around sometimes, I catch myself asking, “What have I done?”…
Williams, Zaragoza seeking public support to keep McGrath State Beach open
Votes can help park win $100,000 for renovations Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) and Ventura County Fifth District Supervisor John Zaragoza are asking 805 residents to vote for McGrath State Beach, which currently ranks 6th in the “America…
Visita del Gobernador de Oaxaca Gabino Cué Monteagudo a Oxnard
Consulado General de México en Oxnard — El Gobernador de Oaxaca, Gabino Cué Monteagudo, realizó una gira de trabajo en Oxnard, el pasado sábado 20 de Agosto, en el rancho J&E ante cerca de 300 personas. La bienvenida la ofrecieron…
Commentary: Diabetes in the U.S. Latino community
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier/ Guest contributor Last week I shared a family incident, which many people said they identified with on two levels. One was the “Sandwich Generation,” which I also call the “Quesadilla Generation,” because I often feel like sticky queso pulled…
Hernandez, Perez among individuals, groups honored by United Way
Orlando Hernandez, a volunteer tax preparer for the United Way of Ventura County’s Earn It, Keep It, Save It program since 2006, and David Perez, chair of the Young Leaders Society’s board of directors, are among a group of individuals and organizations that…
‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’ set for Aug. 26-28 at Oxnard College
Carmen Guerrero of Oxnard College reports that Moorpark and Oxnard College will present a Moorpark College production on the Oxnard campus “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 26 and…
Latino Links: Media trends
To counter opponents of NBC’s proposed merger with Comcast last year, NBC promoted a number of TV series featuring minorities. But little more than six months after the approval of the merger by the Federal Communications Commission, some of NBCUniversal’s…
Concierto de Son Jarocho con ‘Los Vega’ 27 de Agosto
Proyecto Jarocho presenta talleres y concierto de Son Jarocho con “Los Vega”, sabado, 27 de Agosto de 2011, Casa de la Guerra, No. 9 E. De la Guerra St., Santa Barbara. Talleres: 4:00 a 6:00 pm (Jarana, Guitarra de Son, Arpa,…
EDC-VC global trade classes start on Aug. 22
The Economic Development Collaborative — Ventura County and the California Small Business Development Center will present Global Trade Classes starting Aug. 22 at Santa Barbara City College. Taught by Ray Bowman, international trade expert and Small Business Development Center director,…
‘Che’ film, faculty discussion set for Aug. 23 at UCSB
John Foran will be the faculty speaker prior to the presentation “Che: Part One” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23 at the UCSB MultiCultural Center in Santa Barbara. Part of the UCSB Education Abroad Program’s “Word Revolutions Film Series,” the…
Encuentro Comunitario con el Gobernador de Oaxaca Gabino Cué Monteagudo el 20 de Agosto en Oxnard
Buenos días a todos. Por instrucciones del Cónsul Rogelio Flores, me permito extender a Ustedes una invitación cordial para que nos acompañen en la visita que realizará el Gobernador del Estado de Oaxaca, Lic. Gabino Cue Monteagudo, el próximo sábado…
Commentary: What they have
This is the second of a two part article started last week about my visit to an African village. By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor After walking more than a mile from the village center, we arrived at the village…
Commentary: Chaos
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Earlier this year I started to read a book that is not your average bedside novel. When people at a party ask me, “What books are you reading now?” I no longer tell them that…
Mora to lead CSU Channel Islands Alumni & Friends board
Fernando Mora has been elected president of the 2011-2012 Alumni & Friends Association Board of Directors for CSU Channel Islands, the institution reported on Wednesday. “This is a very important opportunity for me to give back time and energy to…
Social Justice Fund seeking donors for grantmaking challenge
The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County reports that Aug. 31 is the deadline for community members to donate $25 each to match a $5,000 grant-making challenge from Meenal and Kris Kelkar. “We need 100 people to donate $25. Step…
Bilingual report: Enedina Castañeda to perform Aug. 20 at Expo México Emprende Los Angeles 2011
Santa Maria Valley educator Enedina Castañeda will be performing her poetry at the Expo México Emprende Los Angeles 2011, at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 a the Los Angeles Convention Center. Jose Luis Rojas, Mexican singer and song writer, will…
Commentary: The Sandwich Generation, Hold the Mayo
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier/ Guest contributor Last night my sister and I lounged on the balcony watching the sunset. We’re on vacation, with our mother and other sister, near San Diego and it’s a lovely warm evening. The mountains turned from green…
Tour de Dreams comes to CSU Channel Islands on Aug. 19
Dreamers without borders will host the Tour de Dreams with a potluck BBQ, discussion, live DJ and Dance at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19 at CSU Channel Islands at the Student Union Treehouse Courtyard. The Tour de Dreams will be…
Amigos805 offering Hispanic Heritage Month special advertising rates
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, coupon and business-card size advertisements will appear in Amigos805.com during September and October at a discount cost of $50 per advertisement per month, a $50 savings. Business Directory advertisements will also appear in Amigos805.com…
Lacayo celebrating 80th birthday on Aug. 20
Henry “Hank” Lacayo will celebrate his 80th birthday at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 during the “Hank Lacayo 80th Birthday Tribute & HLI Fundraiser at Spanish Hills Country Club, 999 Crestview Ave., Camarillo. Join us in celebrating Hank’s lifetime of…
Clubes Zacatecanos celebrar treceavo aniversario 20 de Agosto
La Organizacion de Clubes Zacatecanos del Condado de Ventura los invita “A Celebrar su Treceavo Aniversario — Certamen Seõrita Zacatecas 2011-2012,” 6 pm a 12 am. domingo, 20 de Agosto del 2011, Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel, 2010 Mandalay Beach Road,…
Friends invite community to ‘Old School Night’ dinner-concert-dance on Aug. 20
Tickets are still available for the “Old School Night” dinner-concert-dance, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 at Casa Lopez, 325 So. A St., Oxnard. Featuring Rock ‘N Roll, Oldies, R&B, Soul, Funk, Disco, Salsa and Mexicana with DJ Sherman…
Latino Links: Political trends
Rick Perry may have a challenge convincing Latinos to support him after the Texas governor announced on Aug. 13 that he was entering the race for the 2012 Republican nomination. Writer Yolanda Gonzalez Gomez reports in the Huffington Post that…
Commentary: WHAT THEY HAVE (Part 1)
A Personal Essay By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor Not long ago I joined a small tour group to visit a village in Malawi, Africa, a small country east of Tanzania. “I will be your tour guide,” Kea said. “The…
Commentary: Searching For Aztlán—Part IV (final part)
By David Magallanes/ Guest contributor When I was young and my parents would take me and my siblings to Mass on Sundays, we would pass through the main doors at the back of the church, entering the vestibule as the ushers…
Latino artists, community well represented in Downtown Oxnard Art Beat on Aug. 13
The Downtown Oxnard Art Beat will feature a variety of art, music, dancing and dining opportunities from 5 p.m. to closing time on Saturday, Aug. 13 at various venues in downtown Oxnard. Area art spaces and restaurants will be offering…
De Colores fundraiser set for Aug. 13 in Santa Paula
The first fundraiser of the year for the De Colores Arts Festival will be held from 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13 at Los Arcos Restaurant, 978 E. Main St., Santa Paula. The event features Mariachi Orgullo de Mexico,…
OHS Marching Band & Auxiliary to hold car wash Aug. 13
The Oxnard High School Marching Band & Auxiliary is sponsoring a car wash, BBQ and free eWaste recycling event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13 at Oxnard High School parking lot, 3400 W. Gonzalez Road, Oxnard. All…
Danza Folklórícas de México celebrar 14 de Agosto
Danzas Folklórícas de Méxîco de la Federacíon de Clubes Unidos Mexícanos, 1 a 5 p.m. domingo, 14 de Agosto, Pacifica High School, 600 E. Gonzales Road, Oxnard. Con “La Guadalupana” de Club Copándaro, Michoacán; “Los Huehues” de Tlaxcala; “Los Diablitos”…
Clubes Zacatecanos celebrar treceavo aniversario 14 de Agosto
La Orgaizacion de Clubes Zacatecanos de Condado de Ventura los invitar “A Celebrar su Treceavo Aniversario,” con presentacion de vestido regional, 2 p.m. a 5 p.m. domingo, 14 de Agosto del 2011, Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard, (Ventura…
MICOP seeking donations for ‘Operation Backpack’
The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project is seeking donations for “Operation Backpack,” its 2011 backpack drive. Backpacks filled with school supplies will be donated to children of indigenous farmworkers. MICOP is seeking supply-packed backpacks (scissors, crayons, pens, pencils, etc.) or cash to…
Reservations due Aug. 10 for SCE’s ENLACES Latino Community Forum
Southern California Edison will present the “2011 ENLACES Latino Community Forum and Capacity-Building Workshop” from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12 at Casa Lopez Restuarant, 325 So. A St., Oxnard, El Concilio Family Services reported this week. The…
Mexican Consulate releases information calendar for August
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard on Monday released its schedule of events for August. Click here to view a pdf of the schedule.
Breakfreee.org free financial seminar on Aug. 9 in Oxnard
Breakfreee.org is sponsoring free sessions on finances from 6 to 8 p.m. the second Tuesday (Aug. 9) and the fourth Thursday (Aug. 25) of each month at 415 W. Fifth St., Oxnard (6 to 7 p.m. by appointment and 7 to 8 p.m. for…
Downtown Oxnard ArtPub happy hour set for Aug. 9
Downtown Oxnard ArtPub Happy Hour Mixer from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9 at The Kitchen, 529 So. A St., Oxnard. Contact Tracy Hudak, Arts Impact Director at tracy@downtownoxnard.org or call 805.340.2106.
Free, low cost Tdap vaccine clinics offered Aug. 11 through Aug. 30
Ventura County Health Care Agency Las Islas Mobile Medical Clinic and the Ventura County Public Health Immunization Program have partnered to offer low cost or no cost Tdap vaccine for students entering 7th through 12th grade this year. Clinics will…
Commentary: The debt ceiling debate: Was it lunacy?
By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor Polls show that the vast majority of Americans were appalled this week at the debate over the debt ceiling that seemed to take the country to the edge of economic catastrophe. Did this debacle…
Sk805 skate, arts competition set for Aug. 20 in Oxnard
Arts for Action is presenting “Sk805 — Skateboarding and Board Design Competition” from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 at Oxnard’s Skate Park off of Rose Avenue. The event features local and professional artists and skaters will include an…
Boys & Girls Clubs launch Million Dollar Raffle fundraiser
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme has launched its Million Dollar Raffle fundraiser, with ticket holders eligible to win the grand prize of $1 million cash. Other prizes include a 2012 BMW Mini Cooper, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette,…
Commentary: Searching For Aztlán—Part III
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor On April 3, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee, Martin Luther King gave, in retrospect, an eerily prophetic speech that hinted at his assassination one day later. He also appeared to shred the veil between our perceived…
LULAC charges mismanagement of Oxnard gang suppression grants
The League of United Latin American Citizens is calling on the city of Oxnard to halt the practice of hiring former Oxnard Police Department Officials as “gang suppression” consultants and hire an external auditor to examine “perceived conflicts of interest,”…
Commentary: Why read multicultural literature?
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor Last month a survey found that nearly 80 percent of U.S. adults believe multicultural books are important for children, but one-third say they are hard to find. The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, a non-profit organization…
It was ‘Magic’ for Tri-Counties Sheet Metal Workers Apprenticeship Program
Instructor opens the door of opportunity to high school students during MAGIC Camp for high school girls. Members of the Tri-Counties Sheet Metal Workers Apprenticeship Program in Ventura, were thinking pink the week of July 15 at MAGIC Camp (Mentor…
Hensley to be honored Aug. 3
Jim Hensley of Jim Hensley Information Service, which produces a weekly “Events Log,” will be honored at the 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3 weekly Stress, Health and Longevity class, held at 702 County Square Drive, Ventura, in the Cabrillo Economic…
Lacayo named grand marshal of Ventura County Fair Parade
Henry “Hank” Lacayo will be the grand marshal of the 2011 Ventura County Fair Parade. The parade will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6 on Main Street in downtown Ventura. He was selected by the board of directors…
Bilingual update: Teatro to hold casting call Aug. 1, 2 and 3
Teatro de las Americas will hold a casting call for the play “Adán, Eva, y la otra,” at 7 p.m. Aug. 1, 2 and 3 at 816 Wagon Wheel Road, Oxnard. The play, directed by Ángela Cruz, will be presented…
Mexican Consulate posts latest video update
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard has released its latest video update. *** El nuevo Boletín Digital Consultanos es una herramienta audiovisual que provee información sobre las actividades del Consulado. Click here for a link to the video
Commentary: Expectations
By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor Our minds generally are responsible for determining how “happy” we are in life, assuming we have enough to eat and shelter from the weather, though I have seen homeless people who are happier than…
The real models to roll with…
Picture this: Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Snookie, The Kardashians, The Girls of the Playboy Mansion… as our current role models. Don’t our young people deserve better than learning about bizarre sex scandals, open promiscuity, drugs and…
Commentary: Searching for Aztlán, Part II
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor In my article last week, the first regarding the search for Aztlán, I mentioned that I first heard about this mysterious place during my college years. Since I was an engineering major, and not a…
Oxnard Salsa Festival presents “The Afterburn” on July 29-31
The Oxnard Salsa Festival presents “The Afterburn,” three nights of food, music and dance, Saturday, July 29 through Sunday, July 31 at Fresh & Fabulous Cafe, 401 So. A St.; Sugar Beets, 455 So. A St.; Casa Lopez, 325 So.…
Latino Links: Economic trends
Median household wealth among Hispanics fell by 66 percent from $18,359 in 2005 to $6,325 in 2009, according to a new report by the Pew Research Center’s Social & Demographic Trends project. That was the largest percentage drop for any racial…
Tickets still available for July 30 Ozomatli concert in Thousand Oaks
Tickets are still available for the Saturday, July 30 Ozomatli concert at Open Borders, 125 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy is collaborating with Larry Janss of Open…
CSUCI named a “2011 Great College to Work For”
CSU Channel Islands (CI) has been named one of the best universities in the nation to work for, according to a new survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education, the university reported this week in a media release. This is the…
Commentary: Why write?
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier/ Guest contributor Today was one of those days when I just didn’t want to write. It was chilly outside my warm blankets and overcast. My character, Juana Maria, pobrecita, had just received a letter from her mother-in-law, Mrs.…
Commentary: Recovering from divorce or the breakup of a committed relationship
By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor Breakups and divorces are so common in our culture that it is a topic that cannot be discussed too much, in my opinion. It leaves many deep scars. I am not a psychologist or…
Commentary: Searching for Aztlán
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor This article is the first in a series on the concept of “Aztlán.” It is such a deep concept, and despite the Hispanicization of the original native Mexican word from which it sprang, its essence…
Poet Enedina Castañeda to speak at July 23 conference
Santa Maria educator and poet Enedina Castañeda, author of Del Puño y Mente de Una Mujer… Poemas, will speak at the seminario “El Desafío de Triunfar,” at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 23 at the Holiday Inn, 14299 Firestone Blvd., La Mirada.…
Oxnard Salsa Festival events kick off with annual Salsa Dash on July 23
The Oxnard Salsa Festival will launch its 18th annual season at 8 a.m. Saturday, July 23 with the annual Oxnard Salsa Dash through the streets of downtown Oxnard. The race begins at Heritage Square, 715 So. A St. and concludes…
FOOD Share gears up for bocce festival on July 24 at Limoneira Ranch
The Ventura County Food Truck & Bocce Ball Festival on Sunday, July 24 will feature gourmet food trucks from Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, four live music performances and an exclusive VIP lounge, organizers reported in a media release. Classic…
Ruiz wins at Desert Showdown in Coachella
Andy Ruiz, 17, defeated two opponents at the 2011 Desert Showdown held July 16-17 at the Spotlight 29 Casino in Coachella. The recent graduate of Oxnard High, fought his first fight July 15, flooring his opponent early in the first…
Commentary: Writing memoir and life history
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor Three years ago, “The Bucket List” came out in movie theaters across the nation. Two terminally ill men drew up a wish list and then hit the road to accomplish those things before they “kicked…
Social Justice Fund presenting community bus tour on July 23
Tour focuses on youth creating change The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJF) will take to the road in its third annual community tour on Saturday, July 23. This year’s tour, “On the Road to Change III: Youth at…
Tickets available for Aug. 6 Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival
Tickets are now available for the Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival concert at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6 at the Santa Barbara Bowl. The event features Pedro Fernandez, Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlan and Mariachi Los Toros. Tickets are $48.50, $58.50 and $83.50.…
Latino Links: Demographic trends
Births have overtaken immigration as the main driver of Hispanic population growth in the United States, the Pew Hispanic Center in Washington, D.C. reported recently. In a story on www.msnbc.com, the center found that the Mexican-American population grew by 7.2…
Taller de Lenguas Indígenas 19-21 de julio en la Universidad de Channel Islands
“Me permito informar a la comunidad que en el Taller de Lenguas Indígenas que se realizará en la Universidad de Channel Islands, CA., se inscribieron cerca de 70 personas. “La finalidad del taller es conocer la riqueza de las Lenguas Indígenas de México, apoyar…
Commentary: The importance of place
By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor I was born in Alhambra, California, 9 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, and at the age of 63 I hadn’t strayed far across L.A. to the west side. For many years I felt…
Commentary: Dealing with prejudice
By David Magallanes / Guest contributor Prejudice has not been a major problem in my life — at least as far as I know. I’ve brushed against it throughout my lifetime, as we all have in one form or another, whether…
Job, health fair scheduled for July 13
A “Job and Health Fair” will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 13 at the Housing Authority of San Buenaventura. Some of the employers include Panda Express, Data Exchange, Marriott Hotel, Pet Smart, Time Warner, Labor…
Mexican Consulate releases July schedule
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard on Tuesday released its schedule of events for July. Click here to view a pdf of the schedule.
Commentary: So you want to write
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor There is a saying that “everyone has a story,” and that is true, but few know how to translate stories into books for readers. What motivates a person to write? What are the tips and…
Amada Irma Perez to unveil new book on July 12
Amada Irma Perez will unveil her new book and give a presentation at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 12 at the Pleasant Valley Senior Center, 1605 Burnley St., Camarillo. For more information, call Kathleen Kaiser at 805.524.6970. *** Amada Irma Perez…
Oxnard City Council to consider Spanish-language broadcast at July 12 meeting
The Oxnard City Council will consider a policy to broadcast meetings of the city council with interpretation into Spanish during its next meeting at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, July 12 at the council chambers, 305 W. Third St., Oxnard. “LULAC believes…
Barrera named next opponent for Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios
Marco Antonio Barrera has been named the next opponent for Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios, who retained his WBA World Lightweight Championship with a third-round knockout of opponent Urbano Antillon at the Home Depot Center in Carson on July 9. Rios…
Bilingual report: Mexican Consulate posts video of photographic exhibit
The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard has posted a video on the photographic exhibit on immigration by José Hernández Claire — “Exodo Natcional,” featuring images from Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. *** José Hernández Claire literalmente retrata estas historias…
Latino Links: Media Trends
Biculturalism is a key to understanding the advertising, marketing and media consumption habits of Latinos in the United States, according to a recent study by Horowitz Associates. In its annual FOCUS: Latino Report, 18 percent of those Latinos surveyed identified…
Das Williams holding ‘State Budget Town Hall Meeting’ on July 8
Assemblymember Das Williams is presenting a State Budget Town Hall Meeting from 4 to to 6 p.m. Friday, July 8 at Oxnard High School, 3400 W. Gonzalez Road, in the Performing Arts Center. Click here for reservations and additional information.
Gran Kermes benefit set for July 10 in Port Hueneme
Club Social Potrero de Gallegos will present the “Gran Kermes” to benefit the remodeling of the church from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 10 at Casa de Chuy, 665 Pearson Road, Port Hueneme. Event features food, entertainment by DJ…
Commentary: Eating in the 805 (and the rest of America)
By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor I recently returned from living in Paris for about a year. Of course, everyone raves about French food, but we have great chefs here in the United States. Is it really true that French…
Commentary: On Becoming An “Old Guy”
By David Magallanes/ Guest contributor The Fourth of July was a glorious summer day in Ventura, as are many summer days in our coastal county region. But the Fourth was particularly joyful for me because I was able to spend the…
‘A Better Life’ opening July 8 in Oxnard
A powerful film called A Better Life, with an all-Latino cast and already garnering positive reviews, may not be seen by millions of Latinos unless we take action and get the word out, Miguel Orozco of Nueva Vista Media reported in a…
Rios set to fight on July 9 in Carson
Showtime Championship Boxing will present WBA World Lightweight Champion Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios (27-0-1) of Oxnard versus Urbano Antillon (28-2) at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 9 at the Home Depot Center in Carson. Rios is trained at the Robert Garcia…
Healthy community forum set for July 9
The Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy, the Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation, Future Leaders of America and other organizations will present “Raising healthy kids and healthy communities: A community action forum,” from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July…
Amigos805.com video calendar for July
Welcome to the Amigos805.com video calendar for July 2011. Please click on image above to get a full-screen version and then click on the icons on the collage to get additional information on events during the coming month. — Mariana…
Vons launches ‘Help Us End Hunger’ food drive to benefit FOOD Share
Vons supermarkets in Ventura County on Wednesday launched the “Help Us End Hunger” food drive to benefit FOOD Share. Over the summer months, food donations to FOOD Share tend to drop dramatically, despite the fact that demand for food assistance…
Día de las Comidas set for July 8 in Santa Barbara
Día de las Comidas, a benefit for Hospice of Santa Barbara’s Hispanic Family Services, will be held at various times and restaurants in Santa Barbara. Locations are Carlitos Café y Cantina, 1324 State St. in Santa Barbara, 805.962.7117; Cava Restaurant &…
CSUCI’s Lacayo Institute receives $25,000 grant from AT&T
The Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies (HLI) at California State University, Channel Islands, recently received a grant for $25,000 from AT&T, the university reported Wednesday in a media release. The grant will fund a Telecommunications/Technology Literacy/Workforce…
Limited tickets available for Jefferson Starship pre-concert reception
Limited tickets are available for the Jefferson Starship private pre-concert reception and “Open Borders Tour with Larry Janss” at 5 p.m. Friday, July 8 at Open Borders gallery in Thousand Oaks. Presented by the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County,…
Ventura Film Festival opens July 8
The 2011 Ventura Film Festival, which features more than 250 films and screenplays from more than 25 countries around the world, takes place over 11 days from July 8-18 in five theaters. The festival includes an opening night dinner with Academy…
Commentary: An 805 treasure
By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor I am surprised to learn that many people who live in the 805 have never visited one of its greatest treasures —the Channel Islands. They are relatively unspoiled, and uninhabited, except by a few…
Museum of Ventura County open Independence Day
Reduced admission with active military and families free The Museum of Ventura County will be open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Independence Day, Monday, July 4, with reduced admission. Enjoy the summer exhibition Splash!, featuring large-scale installations of ocean-inspired…
Commentary: Hey, let’s blame the President!
By David Magallanes/ Guest contributor This is my first foray into anything remotely political. I know that writing political articles is like touching that third rail: I’m asking to be “fried.” That’s not a typo; I don’t think I’m going to…
A weekend filled with art
Events coming up on July 1 in Oxnard, San Luis Obispo From the artists of tomorrow to established artists in the north 805 region, this Fourth of July weekend will offer visitors a wide variety of works to examine. El Concilio…
CSUCI Alumni & Friends to present ‘Through the Grapevine’ on June 30
CSU Channel Islands Alumni & Friends Association invites alumni, friends and the public to join Provost Dawn Neuman, Hank and Leah Lacayo, Wayne and Barbara Davey and Carl and Nancy Wesely for their annual wine event, ‘Through the Grapevine’ from…
Commentary: What’s “The Big Deal?”
By Mona AlvaradoFrazier/ Guest contributor Michele Serros fans, mark your calendars. Lulu y Mucha present a Lucy Rodriguez film based on a short story from Serros’ book “How to Be a Chicana Role Model.” It debuts at the Ventura Film Festival,…
Das Williams states case for approved state budget
While not liking the recently-approved California state budget because of its deep levels of cuts, Assemblymember Das Williams said it is the only solution that “mathematically works” given early refusal by Republicans to let voters extend tax revenues. Democrats on…